Business, international

Kostenvorteile der Auslandsproduktion werden bersch tzt

Article Abstract:

The Fraunhofer Institute for system technology and innovation research in Karlsruhe held a survey among 1,300 small to medium-sized firms. 26% of them moved production abroad between 1995 and 1997, while 4% moved production back to Germany. The main reason to move production out of Germany was labour cost, cited by 82% of the firms. 28% wanted to establish production in a selling region, 25% aimed at concentration/extension of core competences, 23% mentioned higher flexibility, 22% capacity utilisation, 13% coordination costs, 4% quality and 2% each proximity of R&D and production and cultural factors. Of those who moved production back to Germany, 62% cited flexibility as a reason, 47% mentioned capacity utilisation, 43% quality, 36% coordination costs, 23% concentration/extension of core competences, 21% proximity of R&D and production, 11% labour costs, and 4% each mentioned production in a selling region and cultural factors. According to the Fraunhofer Institute, the most successful were those companies who moved abroad to establish production in a new selling area. They achieved an added value of DM 169,000 per employee, while only 8% of them reported a production decline. Those who went abroad for cost reasons generated an added value of DM 130,000 per capita, while 39% saw lower capacity utilisation. The most successful strategy is that of a home based player: They reach an added value of DM 140,000 per employee and their delivery times are between 6-14 days shorter than those of global players. Global players have an added value of DM 137,000 per employee and delivery times of 26-136 days, depending on the product. Global sourcers have an added value of DM 124,000, those operating on a purely domestic level generate only DM 102,000 per employee.

Comment:

Germany: Survey of small to medium scale firms shows that 26% moved prodn abroad between 1995 & 1997, while 4% moved back prodn

Leichtr der f r die Bahn

Article Abstract:

A research team at the machine tool department of Berlin Polytechnic is working on new wheels for trains that are already being tested by Deutsche Bahn AG. Rather than steel, the main body of the wheel between the inner and outer steel rings consists of fibre-reinforced plastic. The material features a high stability, good damping properties and resistance against environmental factors. Compared with conventional wheels, the wheel is about 70 kg lighter, at 280 kg. Further research is still needed into the adhesives that are used to fasten the wheel components into each other.

Comment:

Germany: Berlin Polytechnic works on new train being tested by rail operator Deutsche Bahn made of fiber-reinforced plastic

K nstliche Gelenke

Article Abstract:

Swiss Sulzer Orthopedics developed an artificial hip joint, a metal-metal combination. Metasul consists of a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy and has gliding effects similar to the natural joint. Sulzer's aim is to raise the life of artificial hip and knee joints. In the coming years 95% of the artificial joints are to have a life of 20-30 years or more, while the current rate is over 80% of joints with a lifetime of 10-15 years. Sulzer is also developing a collagen structure and laboratory-bred cartilage for the treatment e.g. of meniscus or cartilage damage. *

Comment:

Develops an artificial hip joint, a metal-metal combination, w/ gliding effects similar to the natural joint